MEET THE TEAM 

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

At the heart of the Karoo Winter Wool Festival is a passionate team of women who bring creativity, dedication, and a deep love for the Karoo to everything they do. Meet the driving force behind the festival:

Nelmi Uys
The festival’s operational anchor, Nelmi expertly handles all administration and finances. Nelmi is also responsible for the wool stalls in the Wool Market, ensuring a warm, community life atmosphere. Her meticulous approach ensures that both behind-the-scenes logistics and the wool market run like clockwork.

Marlize Moolman
With a talent for building relationships and orchestrating memorable moments, Marlize manages sponsorships and the festival’s entertainment lineup. Her energy helps create an atmosphere that’s both vibrant and welcoming for all. Marlize, owner of Russoord Function Venue, is instrumental in the organising of the Gala Dinner. 

Yolandi Erasmus
Yolandi is the voice of the festival in the public eye, managing media, press releases, and the speaker program. Her work ensures that the stories, voices, and knowledge shared at the festival reach far beyond the Karoo.Yolandi has a strong background in agriculture and grassland biology, therefore giving her insight into the natural aspect of the festival. 

Sarah van Lingen
As Campaign Manager, Sarah leads with vision and flair. She’s the creative mind behind the festival’s design, crafting, and fashion components, curating an experience that celebrates the artistry and innovation of wool in all its forms. The van Lingen family are the custodians of Dwarsvlei Farm and have converted the working sheds into the venue that the Karoo Winter Wool Festival is now held. 

Together, these four dynamic women are the thread that ties the Karoo Winter Wool Festival together — blending tradition, innovation, and heart into one unforgettable celebration.